Sports to Enjoy for the Ultimate Summer Vacation

The winter is finally getting over with for some who have spent too long under gray skies and snowstorms; whereas others are already enjoying the heat and sizzle of summertime in May. Schools are getting out for the year across the U.S., but before the kids decide to settle in for two months of computer

games and cell phone texting, try to make them remember that there is an outside world they can and should enjoy.

With summer quickly approaching, it is important to take note of the various sports programs being offered in communities, towns, at camps, and even private programs in your own area. If you and your child sit down and take time out now to start planning an outdoor activity schedule, the summer months are bound to be a heck of a lot more fun—not to mention, far more healthy.

We are living in a world of electronics; a world where kids no longer change into sweats and run out the back door to enjoy the great outdoors. This has caused a lot of health issues, from obesity to heart disease. The way to change this is to bring back what was once the “norm,” and there are more than a few popular summer sport choices to consider. So, let us take a look at the ‘Top Five’ that the medical world stands behind in order to get your child active again.

Still holding its place at the top is baseball. For over a century there have been kids dreaming (and some succeeding) at becoming baseball icons. Kids as young as five learn how to play T-ball, which then leads them to enjoy either softball, baseball, or both. Your local teams are usually part of the National Little League Baseball Organization; in fact, nearly 3 million kids in America today are participants. The benefits your child will receive are fantastic when it comes to bettering their health. Physical benefits include the improvement of physical strength, hand-eye coordination, and balance. But in addition, social benefits are provided that teach your child everything from teamwork to leadership to discipline.

Another popular summer sport is soccer. A general misconception about soccer is the fact that it’s more popular in other parts of the globe. When in truth, soccer is actually one of the most commonly played sports in America today. The U.S. Youth Soccer Organization sits at 3 million-plus. As it is with baseball, most local soccer teams are part of a local chapter, and kids as young as four participate. Soccer’s fast pace holds the attention of kids who get bored easily, and is extremely beneficial when it comes to improving cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility.

For adults and kids alike, bicycling is another ‘Top Five’ summer sport that all ages continue to enjoy. For everyone, riding that first bike was one of the first steps to feeling independent. In addition to being a whole lot of fun to ride with friends, it’s also a fantastic form of exercise. When it comes to benefits, bicycling improves leg strength, coordination, balance and is the best cardiovascular fitness method you can find. Socially, bicycling can play a hand in instilling a sense of community, offer a way for the family to bond, and improve environmental awareness all at the same time.

One of the most popular activities for kids today comes in the form of inline skating. Before getting into the worry mode in regards to your child falling on concrete, you must understand that kids as young as four or five years have started participating. So, if your child seems interested in learning, the first lesson should be with a professional. Not to mention, make sure that the proper gear is in place, from the helmet to the knee pads, in order for the child to learn well and have a great time. From increasing flexibility to coordination to self-esteem, inline skating is a great summer sport choice.

Rounding out the ‘Top Five’ is the other sport that’s been around for ages: walking. Although some may think that’s boring, it only takes a bit of imagination to make a game out of walking that will keep everyone intrigued. Walking has remained one of the best forms of exercise for all ages, and is especially helpful for those who don’t thrive on competitive games.

So sit down and start making plans now in order to have a great and healthy summer!

The outdoor enthusiast finally has a rugged, waterproof option when it comes to high-quality stereo sound. With built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB audio playback, STEREOACTIVE is packed with features. Engineered in New Zealand, the new compact system is designed for the challenges of life on the water or exposure to the elements and tuned to deliver crystal clear audio that enhances any activity. Featuring the unique Puck mount system, users can easily and securely attach the stereo to any surface, such as an RV exterior, cooler, outdoor cooking space, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat or even hot tub. To keep valuables safe from the elements, FUSION has also offered the ACTIVESAFE which, when combined with STEREOACTIVE, will securely house any smartphone, vehicle keys, bank cards, or loose change.

Virtually every angler on the water these days is well aware that boat docks hold bass throughout the year. However, not all anglers approach dock fishing with the correct tackle and strategy to make the most of their time on the water. Fine-tuning your approach by reaching all fish-holding zones and identifying patterns can definitely lead to higher catch rates and bigger fish. Read More…
Learn More at Z Man Fishing

After the Strike World record-holders will quickly agree there is much more to skilled angling than simply finding and hooking a fish. The battle, especially with large, powerful game fish, Read More…
Visit Yamaha Outboards.com

Take the Trip of a Life Time
Take a short drive south of New Orleans, and you come to the southernmost point in Louisiana. It’s Venice and being at the end of the road is just the beginning of your trip for world-class yellowfin tuna fishing
Visit Home Run Charters

Live bait rigged to stay on or near the surface is enticing as well. Predators push bait to the top during an attack, so a nervous morsel suspended under a kite, balloon or cork is always easy pickings. Baits hooked through the nose, or dorsal fin will stay near the surface whereas those hooked in the stomach or lower tail tend to swim downward. Trolled baits and lures serve the same purpose. The combination of splashing and bubbles, often in conjunction with teasers, help draw the game fish into the surface strike zone Read More…